The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1887-09-23
WELCOME ADDRESS
TO THE
56th Regiment, 0. Y. l.,
q. A. EWING, M. D.,
q. A. EWING, M. D.,


century has passed into history since
we donned our bright uniforms Of
blue, and. under the star-spangled
banner marched forth to meet and
conquer our country's foes.
And yet, despite the title Of "boys," :"
that we are wont to assume, our gray
hairs and bent forms attest that we
are growing old: That, in fact, we
belong to past generation whose his
tory is already written.
There are fathers and mothers
around US to-day, perhaps a majority
of them, who were.unborn when our
Flag was 'insulted and Fort Sumpter
fired upon by treason's hand in 1861.
With them it is matter of tradition
or history; but with US it is, and was,
a matter of'iterrible, living reality, as
our shot-torn and blood-stained ban
ners still attest. And, while those of
to-day may not fully conceive the i'm
port of our meeting here, it is ours to
knoaO Of the cost and the sacrifice that
purchased the freedom of 100000 Of
men, made effectual and perpetuated
to all the inalienable rights of life,
liberty and the pursuit Of happiness.
That maintained our country one and
indivisible.
It is with the impress of these
mighty achievements upon us, that
we greet each other to-day, after a
separation of an ordinary life time,
with soldiers greeting snd a COM
rade's welcome. And With many Of
us this no doubt will be the last, ere
werenter the silent tents that await US
all on the eternal shore. Then, once
again, we'll fight our battles DER.
More dear to each other than silver or gold,
This happy reunion with comrades of old;
What mem'ries come to US, of years that have
fed,
or comrades who knew us, both living and
dead.
Soon, soon, the last soldier, who fought by our
side,
Will pass his last muster, and cross the cold
tide;
For death is fast cleaning, though silent his
tread,
Then "cheers for the living and tears for fhe
dead.
As. comrades we gather, from hillside orr plain,
To ,o1o in, ro1aa
And though we have wandered throughlmany
cline,
We've never forgotten our soldering time.
Right gladly we welcome each comrade:to-day,
And wish you all happy while with us you
stay;
Yes, even forgetting that Time, with his wand,
Our heads are .all frosting, and blighting the
hand.
That our loved banner, in front of the foe,
Where missiles were flying and heroes might
go.
Then never no, never, your pleasures grow less,
But brighter then r,syour days as they pass
When country commanded, we came in our
pride,
And nothing demanded, to her we denied;
The booming of-cannon, the whizzing of shell,
The mingling OF voices in ominous swell,
All told to US plainly of wild coming strife,
Where valor might vainly still struggle for life,
The bonds of our Nation, ,.cemented with blood.
Were threatened by armies, that like wild
flood
Were vowing destruction to freedoms fond
dream,
Devoid of protection to cover or screen.
We vowed, when enlisting, no: foe should di-
vide,
I,aIr
spread wide.
Our lives should be given, If that could appease;
Our limbs should be riven, like storm-shattered
trees,
Our bones be left bleaching, on blood-covered
plain
Where comrades are sleeping, unconscious of
pain;
We rushed into battle 'gainst foemen as brave
AS were the defenders who country would save;
Mid musketrys rattle and saber's bright flash,
The shout and the clatter of cavalrys dash,
The sinking of mortars, the cry of despair,
And groans from all quarters still filling the
air.
Mid foul or fair weather, mid sunshine or rain
We suffered together our hunger and pain,
When fe-blood was flowing, the earth growing
red,
When comrades were dying, were joining the
dead,
Thus we were left standing, where heroes had
stood,
Nor Thought of disbanding; for who, If we
should,
Would wave our loved banner, like Titans of
old,
Or bring to us honor from toemen as bold.
The curtain is falling to hide from our view
Scenes SO appalling 'twixt Gray and the Blue.
Each tragedy ended, its agonies DER;
To homes well defended we're going once more
But thoughts of brave comrades, who fell in
the strife,
Their friends and their dindred, their children
or wife,
Bring to us their greetings; and, ere we know
why,
Our hearts areifast, and dimmed is the eye,
By tears that are falling, SO swiftly and free,
As we think of the greetings that never shall be.
The widow s deep anguish, the orphans sad
wall,
OF hearts that must languish, and hopes that
must fail.
Thus sympathy flowing, from hearts that are
true,
Is deep'ning and growing, where worn is the
Blue.
And patriot feeling grows kind, as it may,
The enmity healing 'twixt Blue and The Gray.